Have a Holly Jolly Christmas... Gift Exchange!

Written by Bryan H.

‘Twas the week before finals, when all through UT, Not a creature was stirring, not even a flea; The books were all opened, being studied with care, In hopes that a passing grade would soon be there;

At PCL students nestled, there’s no time for bed, While equations and formulas danced in their heads; Each awaiting the day, their notes they can scrap, And vacate their brains for a long winter’s nap;

When from the SAC a din arose with a rush, A boisterous eruption that punctured the hush; Songs of Christ’s birth proclaimed for all to hear, A medley of carols mingled with holiday cheer!

As the last strain of song still hung in the air, Anticipation swelled up, it was hard to bear. Six of Santa’s helpers sturdily bore on by, A mountain of gifts piled up to the sky.

“On your mark, get set, go!” All restraint broke loose, As hands jostled for packages wrapped in all colors and hues. A shake, a rattle, to try and deduce, But what lay within, nobody actually knew.

Like a wave came the sound of the shredding of wrapper, And great cries arose, both ecstatic and bitter. Blue tooth speakers, cookware, a remote control car! A bowl of ramen, a pair of socks, fruit jam in a jar?

Then in a twinkling, the exchange was commencing, Rap battles, beat boxing, and Christmas tree fencing. As impostor Santas were racing all around, Down the chimney the real Santa came with a bound.

His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

As the festivity waned, and gifts were compared, Common to all, there was a feeling we shared. The warm glow of fellowship, kept the evening so bright “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”